Overview
- HSA eligibility in 2026 requires an IRS-defined high-deductible health plan with at least a $1,700 individual or $3,400 family deductible and out-of-pocket maximums of $8,500 and $17,000.
- Maximum HSA contributions for 2026 are $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, with an extra $1,000 catch-up for those 55 and older who are not on Medicare.
- HSAs held more than $159 billion across about 40 million accounts by mid-2025, a roughly 16% year-over-year increase driven largely by rising investment balances, according to Devenir.
- Usage remains uneven, as research indicates about one in three adults with a high-deductible plan lack an HSA and most account holders have not contributed in over a year.
- Financial guidance highlights that HSA funds are portable, roll over indefinitely, carry a 20% penalty for nonqualified uses before age 65, can be used for nonmedical expenses after 65 with income tax, and should not be funded once enrolled in Medicare.